numerous allusions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "numerous allusions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple references or indirect mentions of something, often in literature or art. Example: "The novel is rich with numerous allusions to classical mythology, enhancing its themes and depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Literature

Art

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There were also numerous allusions to, and subversions of, English and American culture and the ancient mythologies of Europe and Africa in the writings of the London group.

Britannica

"No-one bats an eyelid when Emile Heskey is described as a great galumphing oaf or numerous allusions are made to Robert Key's liking for pies.

The Guardian - Sport

Among the Latin classical authors Juvenal, Suetonius, and Pliny the Elder refer to the practice of physiognomy, and numerous allusions occur in the works of the Christian scholars, especially Clement of Alexandria and Origen.

Britannica

The ancient Greeks commonly resorted to magic spells to attract and keep lovers as numerous allusions in Greek literature and recently discovered "voodoo dolls," magical papyri, gemstones, and curse tablets attest.

Harvard University

Modern television also requires the viewer to do a lot of what Johnson calls "filling in," as in a "Seinfeld" episode that subtly parodies the Kennedy assassination conspiracists, or a typical "Simpsons" episode, which may contain numerous allusions to politics or cinema or pop culture.

The New Yorker

Classics lovers will also appreciate the numerous allusions she makes to classic novels.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Having had his spotlight slightly yoinked by the men from 221b Baker Street, this episode, "The Letters of Septimus Noone", contained numerous unsubtle allusions to Sherlock.

Independent

In addition, the book helps readers understand the numerous autobiographical allusions in his fiction and brings a new level of understanding and appreciation to his life and work.

Yale University

The songs sport numerous car allusions: for example, the "body should be free of rust" and "she let me go with a warning," from "Late-Model Love". In "Slow Down, Krishna," his "red Trans Am goes way too fast". They put Krishna in a Pontiac, Santa on a Harley.

The New York Times

In many ways, Smithers represents the stereotype of a closeted gay man, and numerous overt allusions and double entendres concerning his homosexuality are made, though some of the show's producers instead interpret him as a "Burns-sexual".

Wikipedia

Different styles of argumentation, flights of rhetorical fancy, numerous puns, intertextual allusions, un-sourced citations, and overt appeals to faith all compete for the reader's attention.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "numerous allusions" when you want to emphasize that a text or work contains many subtle or indirect references to other works, events, or ideas. This phrase is particularly effective in literary analysis or art criticism.

Common error

While "numerous allusions" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "many references" or "lots of hints" are often more appropriate in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numerous allusions" functions as a noun phrase, where "numerous" modifies the noun "allusions". It indicates a high quantity of indirect references within a text, artwork, or other form of expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "numerous allusions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a significant quantity of indirect references. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for analytical contexts such as literary criticism, art reviews, and academic papers, but might be too formal for casual conversation. Alternative phrases include "many references" or "frequent mentions", depending on the desired nuance. While not extremely common, the phrase is consistently used in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. Effective usage involves ensuring the context warrants a detailed examination of subtle references, as noted in the best practices. Avoiding overuse in informal settings is a key consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent indirect references

Directly describes the references as being indirect and happening often.

many references

Focuses on the quantity of references made, rather than their indirect nature.

abundant references

Stresses the plentiful availability of references.

frequent mentions

Highlights the recurring nature of the mentions.

copious mentions

Highlights a large quantity of mentions.

multiple indications

Emphasizes that there are several signs or hints.

a wealth of references

Focuses on the richness and abundance of references.

several implications

Implies that the allusions lead to certain conclusions.

various suggestions

Emphasizes the variety and indirectness of the suggestions.

a multitude of hints

Highlights a large number of subtle clues.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "numerous allusions" in a sentence?

To use "numerous allusions" effectively, ensure the context involves a detailed analysis of a text or work where indirect references are significant. For example, "The poem contains "numerous allusions" to classical mythology, enriching its thematic depth".

What are some alternatives to saying "numerous allusions"?

You can use alternatives like "many references", "frequent mentions", or "multiple indications" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "numerous allusions" or "many allusions"?

"Numerous allusions" and "many allusions" are often interchangeable, but "numerous" can emphasize a higher quantity and a more scholarly tone compared to "many".

In what contexts is "numerous allusions" most appropriate?

"Numerous allusions" is best used in formal analytical writing, such as literary critiques, academic papers, or detailed art reviews, where the identification and interpretation of indirect references are crucial.